8 Health Problems Caused By Eating Too Much Sugar
The excessive consumption of sugar is a problem that has been worrying health experts for decades. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in the coming years, the cases of obesity and diabetes will increase alarmingly as a consequence of this.
The aggravating factor is that it seems impossible to stop its consumption, since at present it is not only marketed to be added voluntarily to other foods, but it is added in large quantities to foods that are usually part of the diet.
For all the above, multiple efforts have been made so that consumers are aware of its dangers and do everything possible to avoid it or at least reduce it considerably.
In this article we present the consequences of an excessive consumption of sugar so that you become aware of how important it is to avoid it, as much as possible.
1. Tooth decay, consequence of sugar
Many of the bacteria that inhabit dental cavities feed on sugars, so feeding them causes serious damage to tooth enamel. This was explained by Carole Palmer, professor at the School of Dental Medicine at Tufts University (USA) to The New York Times , in which she also warned that it is the cause of many of the oral infections.
2. Food anxiety
This substance not only causes addiction, but also makes the person want to eat uncontrollably. After conducting several investigations, it was determined that its intake influences leptin, a hormone that is responsible for keeping the feeling of hunger under control.
3. Overweight and obesity
Different studies have proven that foods rich in sugar contain too many calories and are triggers for overweight and obesity. As they are refined sugars, made under an industrial process, when they reach the body in excess, it is not transformed into energy, but is stored in fat.
Health and nutrition experts say that one of the first things people who want to lose weight should do is put aside the foods that contain this substance. However, they also clarify that obesity is a multifactorial disease that develops due to many other factors.
4. Diabetes, one of the great dangers of consuming excess sugar
Sugar makes the body demand more insulin, a hormone that is involved in the process that turns food into energy. Once its levels increase, the body creates a resistance to it and glucose begins to accumulate in the blood. As a result, the glycemic index becomes uncontrolled and a condition known as type 2 diabetes develops.
5. Fatty liver
One of the reasons why the liver is overloaded is because it is the only one in charge of metabolizing fructose. Because of this, the more fructose you are forced to process, the harder your job will be and the faster it will deteriorate.
Excess sugar consumption causes fatty liver, even in those who do not abuse alcoholic beverages.
6. Heart disease
A study by Diana I. Jalal of the University of Colorado (USA) suggests that eating 74 grams of sugar per day increases the risk of high blood pressure. Diets with a high glycemic load have been linked to an increased risk of developing heart conditions.
Its consumption increases the levels of triglycerides, a type of lipid that stores additional calories from sugar, inhibiting the effects of good cholesterol.
7. Chronic kidney failure
Chronic kidney failure is a disease characterized by the gradual and irreparable loss of kidney function. Although for now its link with sugar consumption is a hypothesis, a study by David A. Shoham of Loyola Chicago University (USA) revealed that sodas rich in this substance are a cause of albuminuria.
Albuminuria is a pathology characterized by the presence of a protein in the urine, which shows damage to the renal system.
8. Kidney stones
Sugary drinks and refined sugar increase the risk of kidney stones by up to 25%. Non-cola sodas can increase the odds by up to 33%. The best way to avoid this is by replacing them with healthier drinks, such as water, natural juices or herbal teas.
Due to its manufacturing process, the damage it can cause when it is consumed continuously and the addiction it generates in the body, sugar is coming to be compared to several types of drugs.
Although it is very difficult to eliminate it from the diet, it is essential to try to reduce it as much as possible and look for other types of alternatives to sweeten it.
Carolina Betancourth
Graduated in Social Communication – Journalism from the University of QuindÃo (2015). She worked at the Editorial House “El Tiempo”, the City Hall of Seville (Valle del Cauca), the UTEM Metropolitan Educational Foundation, PUBLIDEAS and the Tenjo Sports Institute. Among some of his functions were the creation of digital and printed content and the administration of social networks.
